Gianni impressed new boss during Braintree’s loss at Westleigh Park
Attacker Gianni Crichlow is hoping his progression can continue after signing for Hawks.
The speedy 24-year-old former QPR youth prospect enjoyed a blistering end to 2021/22, netting four times in NL South rivals Braintree's final eight games.
Overall, Crichlow featured 36 times and struck six goals across last term in the league, displaying the potential of a forward who has had several short-term stints at Harrow, Hendon and Hanwell Town since his QPR exit in the summer of 2017.
It was a fine individual display in Braintree's 4-0 loss against the Hawks in April which prompted Doswell to make his approach.
And Crichlow had no hesitation in agreeing his oneyear deal with an option. ‘I got a call from Paul. He basically explained he liked the way I played, we played Havant near the end of the season and he thought I did well,’ he revealed.
‘He (Paul) said I could be a plan for the future. He basically explained the dynamics of the club, that it's a good one (club), a good fanbase, the aspirations for the club and it lined up with, personally, what I want to do.
‘For me it's all about progression. I feel like this is another step up - even though we're in the same league.
‘The set up at Havant, I think it's good - I've seen the team and played against the team, the team is good. The club wants to push on, which is personally what I want to do as well.’
Crichlow is Hawks’ fourth signing this summer after the arrivals of strike duo Jason Prior and Daniel Wright and centre half Joash Nembhard.